I received news today from Phil Heberer, a long time Commodore Fidonet member...

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It is with great regret that I inform you that another of the circle of e-friends from the old Fidonet CBM echo has gone on to meet the Lord. Former CBM Moderator Russell Prater died Monday, Jul 7, 2008, from complications of diabetes. He was 69 years old. May God rest his soul.

Phil
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Russell was the moderator of the CBM Fidonet echo for many years, back in it's hey day when hundreds of messages would flow through nearly every day. He often joked that moderating the echo was a bit like 'herding cats'.

What I loved most about Russell was his sense of humor, fairness, and his belief that 'what goes around comes around', which was part of his Commodore friendliness. He helped create a lot of little utility scripts - some that are part of Rod's QWKRR packages, and was always willing to help people with technical problems. I once spoke on the phone with him when he helped walk my former husband through adding additional drive numbering switches to my 1581 drive. He was as friendly over the phone as he was in the echo.

I'm very saddened to learn of Russell's passing. We've lost a wonderful soul.